Former U.S. Senator Doug Jones has officially announced his candidacy for the governorship of Alabama in the upcoming 2026 elections. The announcement came on Monday, shortly after Jones filed the necessary campaign paperwork with the Secretary of State’s Office. His campaign could potentially set the stage for a rematch with current U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, who defeated Jones in the 2020 Senate race and is now also running for governor.
In a campaign video shared on social media, Jones stated, “I am running for governor of Alabama. Folks in Alabama deserve a governor who is going to fight for them.” He plans to hold an official campaign kickoff next month, as both candidates prepare for their party primaries scheduled for May, ahead of the general election in November.
Jones’s Vision for Alabama
In his announcement, Jones emphasized that Alabama residents are looking for a leader who understands their needs and challenges. “What we have heard all along is that Alabama wants their next governor to be someone who lives here, who works here, who listens to the people of this state, who understands the people of this state,” he remarked. His comments seemed to target Tuberville, who has faced scrutiny over his residency, particularly during the 2020 Senate race when he was labeled a “Florida man” by opponents.
Jones pointed out that Tuberville owns a $270,000 home in Auburn, Alabama, where he claims a homestead exemption, as well as a $4 million beach home in Walton County, Florida. These details have raised questions about Tuberville’s commitment to Alabama.
Jones’s decision to enter the race follows weeks of speculation. At a recent Blueprint Alabama event, he teased his intentions, responding, “Stay tuned,” when asked about a gubernatorial run. Earlier this spring, he indicated to The Associated Press, “One way or another, I am going to stay in the fight.”
Political Landscape and Historical Context
Doug Jones is well-known for his impressive legal career, including his role as a former U.S. attorney, where he prosecuted two Ku Klux Klansmen involved in the 1963 Birmingham church bombing. He made history in 2017 when he won the Senate seat previously held by Jeff Sessions, defeating Republican Roy Moore in a special election that was heavily influenced by allegations of misconduct against Moore. However, Jones lost to Tuberville in the 2020 election, which saw significant support from former President Donald Trump.
Since 2002, Alabama has been under Republican control, with the last Democratic governor being Don Siegelman, who narrowly lost to Republican Bob Riley. The Democratic Governors Association’s spokesman, Kevin Donohoe, expressed optimism about Jones’s potential campaign, noting recent Democratic successes in traditionally Republican states like Kentucky and North Carolina. He stated, “With health care costs rising, schools failing, and not enough good-paying jobs, Alabama families are hurting — but Tommy Tuberville would only make things worse.”
As the political landscape in Alabama continues to evolve, Jones’s entry into the gubernatorial race represents a significant challenge to the Republican stronghold in the state. With a focus on addressing pressing issues such as healthcare and employment, Jones aims to present a compelling alternative for voters looking for change in Alabama’s leadership.
